Formnext 2024, where ideas truly take shape, has come to a close, and our team has had the opportunity to reflect on the remarkable experiences and conversations that defined the event. As always, Formnext proved to be a key platform for witnessing the innovative technologies shaping the future of Additive Manufacturing (AM). However, beyond the impressive exhibits, the event also provided us with invaluable insights into the industry’s trajectory and the challenges we must address to keep pushing forward.
As active participants in this evolving landscape, we couldn’t help but recognize the significant strides the AM industry has made. The sense of maturity is evident, but alongside it, many questions about our future direction remain. Here’s a closer look at some of the key takeaways from Formnext 2024:
A Mature Industry with Mixed Progress
This year, we saw substantial consolidation within the industry—a clear sign of maturity. Yet, while we remain optimistic, the progress is still uneven across different sectors. Serial applications are becoming more widespread, and finding your niche within the market is crucial for continued growth. As the industry matures, it’s essential for us to not only celebrate the progress we’ve made but to stay committed to advancing further, addressing gaps and seizing new opportunities for growth.
Spotlight on Medical Applications
It was exciting to see medical applications being showcased more prominently this year. This growing recognition is a testament to the immense potential AM holds in healthcare. However, we observed that while there are plenty of innovations, there’s still a significant gap in practical, solution-driven use cases that go beyond the prototypes. The need for innovative, real-world applications in medical AM is high, and it’s clear that we need to continue pushing for advances that provide tangible benefits to healthcare providers and patients alike.
A Quieter but Focused Formnext
Although the event felt less crowded than previous years, the quality of the conversations was stronger than ever. The shift toward more focused discussions, rather than simply showcasing products, was palpable. There was a noticeable emphasis on collaboration and networking, signaling a positive future for the industry. And of course, our stickers turned out to be a popular hit!
Global Insights
It was inspiring to see the influence of other strong national and regional networks actively advancing their members. We are excited about strengthening our own collaborations across Europe to accelerate the growth of AM technologies. A key highlight was the application-driven innovation coming from Chinese exhibitors, which demonstrates the global scope of the AM industry. Additionally, the presence of delegations from Korea and Australia underscored the international reach and growing interest in AM technologies.
Networking at Side Meet-ups
One of the highlights of our experience was hosting side meet-ups for our Dental and RaiLiability Working Groups. These focused gatherings allowed members to build valuable connections and engage in productive discussions about future projects. It’s clear that, as the industry matures, collaboration will remain a crucial component of driving progress and fostering innovation.
Looking Ahead
Formnext 2024 reinforced the idea that AM is at a pivotal moment in its evolution. While the industry has reached a point of maturity, there is still much work to be done. Exciting developments are on the horizon, especially in the medical sector, where real-world, application-driven solutions will play a key role in unlocking AM’s full potential.
As we look ahead, we are committed to continuing the conversations sparked at Formnext and driving forward the collaborations that will shape the future of Additive Manufacturing. The work done at this year’s event has undoubtedly laid the groundwork for the next phase of growth, and we look forward to the next steps in this journey.
